Social Skills and Drama Therapy

Since there is no official certification for social skills therapists, techniques may vary. Social Skills Therapy may consist of group activities (usually games and conversations) with autistic and typically developing peers. Groups may be overseen by psychologists or social workers, and may be held in the classroom, lunchroom, or playground. Social skills groups focus on game playing, sharing, and conversation. Children are grouped by age and ability, and may make use of specific social skills curricula as developed by well-established practitioners of social skills therapy.

Drama Therapy, a variation of Social Skills Therapy, is somewhat unusual -- but where it is offered, it has the potential to be both fun and educational. Video modeling, video critiques of interactions, group therapy and other similar approaches are especially appropriate for teens and adults. Typical cognitive therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist may also be helpful.

In theory, Social Skills Therapy will provide people those on the autism spectrum with the ability to converse, share, play, and work with typical peers. In an ideal world, such therapy will allow people on the autism spectrum to become almost indistinguishable from their typical peers.